Performance‐Driven Modeling and Optimization of a Pneumatic Membrane Actuator for Adaptive Building Façades

Abstract

Soft pneumatic systems offer promising pathways for adaptive façade technologies capable of dynamic shading and responsive morphology. Building on the Pneufin concept—a switchable pneumatic envelope made from polyurethane‐coated nylon membranes—this work presents a computational modeling and optimization framework integrating nonlinear finite element (FE) simulation with genetic‐algorithm (GA)‐based actuation tuning. A geometrically nonlinear plane‐strain FE model captures the coupled geometry–material–pressure interaction governing deployment. The model predicts the pressure required for full rotation and is validated against laboratory‐scale pressure–rotation experiments. The validated model is embedded in a Python‐based optimization workflow varying membrane thicknesses and chamber lengths within fabrication limits while enforcing stress constraints. The optimization reduces actuation pressure while maintaining structural admissibility, establishing a predictive design methodology for scalable pneumatic façade systems.